(2 Kings 5:1 NIV) Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.
What will it take to be obedient to God’s Word, even more so the leading of His Holy Spirit? When He tells you to do something it rarely makes sense – at that point you have a decision to make. You can either reason your way out of it or you can simply surrender and do what He says in spite of how you feel. If you are at the point in your walk with Christ Jesus where you can hear Him calling you to step out of the boat, like Peter, then you have experienced His opportunity to grow. Every time I’m at that point it requires faith even though He has been faithful to me every step of the way. That’s because He is stretching my spiritual musicals. He does this so that we may be strong in Him, you want to do something great for God then be faithful in the small things first.
(Matthew 14:28-29 NIV) "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
(Matthew 25:21 MKJV) “His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
(Romans 8:28 MKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
We believe ALL things work together of good because often we can’t see how a bad situation can be good but God knows all things and we trust Him – this is faith. We are His and He has purpose for each life but we will not fully understand that until we see Him face to face. Therefore we should give our whole selves to Him as a living sacrifice, for this is good and pleasing unto God.
(1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV) “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Naaman
(2 Kings 5:1 NLT) The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the LORD had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.
As with Naaman I have tasted victories, I have seen what it is like to lead God’s people in a very small way, I have been given opportunities and advancements and I have seen God’s blessing upon my life but as with Naaman I was hiding something that could have destroyed me. I am not currently in a leadership position and there have been times when I have wondered if God will ever use me again like He once did. However, my heart is encouraged by this – I know God is bringing about an inner healing, He is teaching me the finer points of things unnoticed (or overlooked) before and when all is said and done I am His! My spiritual health is more important than my trophies and accomplishments, my value comes not from what I have done but who He says that I am! This road to healing is also preparation for the future, whether God uses me again in a leadership position is not my concern. The only thing that matters is that I grow in relationship with Him, that I learn for His Word, am led by His Holy Spirit, and am obedient in faith and if I know God when those things become second nature He will use me once again.
As with Naaman I have tasted victories, I have seen what it is like to lead God’s people in a very small way, I have been given opportunities and advancements and I have seen God’s blessing upon my life but as with Naaman I was hiding something that could have destroyed me. I am not currently in a leadership position and there have been times when I have wondered if God will ever use me again like He once did. However, my heart is encouraged by this – I know God is bringing about an inner healing, He is teaching me the finer points of things unnoticed (or overlooked) before and when all is said and done I am His! My spiritual health is more important than my trophies and accomplishments, my value comes not from what I have done but who He says that I am! This road to healing is also preparation for the future, whether God uses me again in a leadership position is not my concern. The only thing that matters is that I grow in relationship with Him, that I learn for His Word, am led by His Holy Spirit, and am obedient in faith and if I know God when those things become second nature He will use me once again.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Are you feeling inadequate?
(2 Corinthians 3:5 NLT) It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.
Most see any feeling of inadequacy as a negative but is it really? Could it be that we feel inadequate because we were never meant to go it alone? God has given each of us purpose and to fulfill that purpose we must depend upon and draw your strength from Him who gives it. You see if a child is to grow and learn from his father, then the father will invest time and resources into that child. As the child grows the father gives him more responsibility – to the point of stretching his ability but the father is there each step of the way. In this way the relationship between the two is strengthened and the child learns from the father until one day the child becomes a man and the man becomes a father and the process is passed on to the next generation. There are many similarities between children and parents and believers and Father God. When we are saved we are as babes and as we grow in the Lord we are given responsibilities that point to our purpose. Some call it a dream or a vision but whatever you call it you’ll know it’s from God when it requires more of you than you can give (it will also lines up with scripture – see April 9,10 and May 4th). The Dream will require seeking God and a willingness to depend upon Him greatly and as you do He will give you the ability to do it. In that we learn to be more like Him until one day we are able to help younger Christians seek God in the same way but we never become too old or too experienced that we don’t depend upon God any more. If we are not being stretched then most likely we are not listening to God’s instructions for our lives. This life is a race that is to be ran, a strong start is great but a triumphant finish is what is required!
Most see any feeling of inadequacy as a negative but is it really? Could it be that we feel inadequate because we were never meant to go it alone? God has given each of us purpose and to fulfill that purpose we must depend upon and draw your strength from Him who gives it. You see if a child is to grow and learn from his father, then the father will invest time and resources into that child. As the child grows the father gives him more responsibility – to the point of stretching his ability but the father is there each step of the way. In this way the relationship between the two is strengthened and the child learns from the father until one day the child becomes a man and the man becomes a father and the process is passed on to the next generation. There are many similarities between children and parents and believers and Father God. When we are saved we are as babes and as we grow in the Lord we are given responsibilities that point to our purpose. Some call it a dream or a vision but whatever you call it you’ll know it’s from God when it requires more of you than you can give (it will also lines up with scripture – see April 9,10 and May 4th). The Dream will require seeking God and a willingness to depend upon Him greatly and as you do He will give you the ability to do it. In that we learn to be more like Him until one day we are able to help younger Christians seek God in the same way but we never become too old or too experienced that we don’t depend upon God any more. If we are not being stretched then most likely we are not listening to God’s instructions for our lives. This life is a race that is to be ran, a strong start is great but a triumphant finish is what is required!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Paul's thoughts on temptation
(1 Corinthians 5:7 NLT) Get rid of the old "yeast" by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.
Yeast causes bread to be puffed up and just like it pride inflates our ego. In first Timothy chapter three, verse five we are warned pride comes before a fall. Further more, a little yeast affects the whole loaf of bread and in the same way one wicked person will impact a whole group of people. Therefore, Paul says do not associate with this type of person but keep yourselves set apart for God’s purpose, which is why you were created! God paid a great price so that nothing can keep you from Him. Don’t throw away what He has done by being puffed up with pride. We need to understand this life was not given to us so that we can satisfy self-indulgences but to bring glory to our Lord and Savior. Know this, God’s grace is sufficient for you and me and though forgiveness is ours for the asking our choices carry the weight of consequences, meaning God will allow us to feel the impact of what we have sown so that we may learn to choose righteousness over evil. You see difficulties here in this life will either destroy us or bring us closer to God. Pride will keep us from God but a heart of purity will bring us closer to our only hope of salvation!
(Romans 12:3 MSG) I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
Yeast causes bread to be puffed up and just like it pride inflates our ego. In first Timothy chapter three, verse five we are warned pride comes before a fall. Further more, a little yeast affects the whole loaf of bread and in the same way one wicked person will impact a whole group of people. Therefore, Paul says do not associate with this type of person but keep yourselves set apart for God’s purpose, which is why you were created! God paid a great price so that nothing can keep you from Him. Don’t throw away what He has done by being puffed up with pride. We need to understand this life was not given to us so that we can satisfy self-indulgences but to bring glory to our Lord and Savior. Know this, God’s grace is sufficient for you and me and though forgiveness is ours for the asking our choices carry the weight of consequences, meaning God will allow us to feel the impact of what we have sown so that we may learn to choose righteousness over evil. You see difficulties here in this life will either destroy us or bring us closer to God. Pride will keep us from God but a heart of purity will bring us closer to our only hope of salvation!
(Romans 12:3 MSG) I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Don't strike back
(Matthew 5:38-39 NLT) “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.”
Do you ever stop to wonder why it is so easy to react in anger over the slightest wrong? As Christians we are led by the Holy Spirit of God, if we reject His direction the consequence comes in the form of conviction. Conviction easily turns to condemnation and condemnation to resentment. We start to blame others, the tired husband leaves something for his wife to do when but instead of feeling better he is convicted because he was not obedient to the direction of the Holy Spirit. He then reacts in anger towards her.
Anger can come for unrecognized pain too. People who hurt us cause the initial sting but we are the ones who allow the stinger to remain by not confronting them, in love. When we pretend it didn’t bother us it may stay hidden for a while but it begins to show up in different ways, being easily angered is one of them. Bring your hurts to Jesus and allow Him to heal your wounds so that you may have your life back.
Jesus I know I have been striking out at people for the smallest things lately, I am broken, please forgive me. Please show me why I’ve been acting this way. My heart is heavy and I’ve been hurt. You tell me that you were beaten and whipped so that I might receive healing, sometimes that is a physical healing but today I need your healing touch to heal me emotionally. Please help me not to hide my feelings from you but quickly lay them before you so that I might be healed. When others attack me it is not because I deserve it but help me to realize they are hurting also. Lord, I don’t want to react in anger any more, help me love my brothers and sisters, as you love me so that you might be glorified through my life.
I have prayed in this manner many times and it is because of Jesus that I can live life whole today instead of broken and crippled with strife, envy, and hatred because past wrongs done to me. Still I have my days, all I can say is Jesus is still working on me and I know one day trials and test will be no more and the race will be ran. Many times we fail and often we are judged by our cover but God looks at the heart, keep it clean before Him and He will light your path.
Do you ever stop to wonder why it is so easy to react in anger over the slightest wrong? As Christians we are led by the Holy Spirit of God, if we reject His direction the consequence comes in the form of conviction. Conviction easily turns to condemnation and condemnation to resentment. We start to blame others, the tired husband leaves something for his wife to do when but instead of feeling better he is convicted because he was not obedient to the direction of the Holy Spirit. He then reacts in anger towards her.
Anger can come for unrecognized pain too. People who hurt us cause the initial sting but we are the ones who allow the stinger to remain by not confronting them, in love. When we pretend it didn’t bother us it may stay hidden for a while but it begins to show up in different ways, being easily angered is one of them. Bring your hurts to Jesus and allow Him to heal your wounds so that you may have your life back.
Jesus I know I have been striking out at people for the smallest things lately, I am broken, please forgive me. Please show me why I’ve been acting this way. My heart is heavy and I’ve been hurt. You tell me that you were beaten and whipped so that I might receive healing, sometimes that is a physical healing but today I need your healing touch to heal me emotionally. Please help me not to hide my feelings from you but quickly lay them before you so that I might be healed. When others attack me it is not because I deserve it but help me to realize they are hurting also. Lord, I don’t want to react in anger any more, help me love my brothers and sisters, as you love me so that you might be glorified through my life.
I have prayed in this manner many times and it is because of Jesus that I can live life whole today instead of broken and crippled with strife, envy, and hatred because past wrongs done to me. Still I have my days, all I can say is Jesus is still working on me and I know one day trials and test will be no more and the race will be ran. Many times we fail and often we are judged by our cover but God looks at the heart, keep it clean before Him and He will light your path.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Make yourself at home Lord
(John 15:9 NLT) "I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love.
As much as you long to have relationship with God, He desires it even more with you. Because of our own knowledge of how we daily fall short of perfection we, not God, hold back from relationship. I don’t understand how but God sees through our failures into the very heart of who we want to be, who he has made us to be. Think about it, what is your idea of a prefect friend – someone who loves you unconditionally, who sees not only who you are now but who you could be and causes you to be a better person when they are around. God is that and so much more! Somehow our view of God gets so twisted that we cannot enjoy being in His presence for very long. I’m guilty of it and I often have to confess before God that I have allowed fear to take control. My heart longs for Him but everything I’ve ever experienced tells me it’s not possible. How could the almighty God love me in spite of the things I’ve done? Though I need Him at times I push away, I think many times for fear that I’ll be rejected. It’s through study, prayer, and worship that His small still voice whispers the truth to my heart and though the storm of my thoughts and emotions surround me His whisper breaks through telling me that He loves me and cares for me regardless of what I have done or haven’t done. Matter of fact there is absolutely nothing that can separate me from the Father’s love. It is then I ask the Lord if I might have a glimpse of what He sees. He then encourages me by telling me who I am in Him. You ask why do I keep coming back to study His Word? Because of His great love and my desperate need for Him, therefore I will remain in His love for me.
Lord, thank you for loving us more than we can comprehend. Let your people see just how much they are loved today and encourage their hearts. Often we allow failure to turn our faces from you but it is when we fall that we need you the most. Teach us not to turn away from you. Whatever stands in the way of us having a clear view of who you are, would you take it from us this hour? You said that nothing can separate us from your love and by faith we accept that and cling to it, for we are desperate for your kindness and Lord help us not forget what you have done for us so that we may freely give your love to others. May you be blessed Lord as we imitate your kindness and give away that which you have given us! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
As much as you long to have relationship with God, He desires it even more with you. Because of our own knowledge of how we daily fall short of perfection we, not God, hold back from relationship. I don’t understand how but God sees through our failures into the very heart of who we want to be, who he has made us to be. Think about it, what is your idea of a prefect friend – someone who loves you unconditionally, who sees not only who you are now but who you could be and causes you to be a better person when they are around. God is that and so much more! Somehow our view of God gets so twisted that we cannot enjoy being in His presence for very long. I’m guilty of it and I often have to confess before God that I have allowed fear to take control. My heart longs for Him but everything I’ve ever experienced tells me it’s not possible. How could the almighty God love me in spite of the things I’ve done? Though I need Him at times I push away, I think many times for fear that I’ll be rejected. It’s through study, prayer, and worship that His small still voice whispers the truth to my heart and though the storm of my thoughts and emotions surround me His whisper breaks through telling me that He loves me and cares for me regardless of what I have done or haven’t done. Matter of fact there is absolutely nothing that can separate me from the Father’s love. It is then I ask the Lord if I might have a glimpse of what He sees. He then encourages me by telling me who I am in Him. You ask why do I keep coming back to study His Word? Because of His great love and my desperate need for Him, therefore I will remain in His love for me.
Lord, thank you for loving us more than we can comprehend. Let your people see just how much they are loved today and encourage their hearts. Often we allow failure to turn our faces from you but it is when we fall that we need you the most. Teach us not to turn away from you. Whatever stands in the way of us having a clear view of who you are, would you take it from us this hour? You said that nothing can separate us from your love and by faith we accept that and cling to it, for we are desperate for your kindness and Lord help us not forget what you have done for us so that we may freely give your love to others. May you be blessed Lord as we imitate your kindness and give away that which you have given us! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The oil flows down
(Psalms 133:1-3 NLT) A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the LORD has pronounced His blessing, even life everlasting.
The oil represents approval and blessings, do we live to please God or people? David recognized God’s blessings because he knew and understood God’s precepts and promises. We can gain approval from our piers and those under our authority but it means nothing until we have the approval of those over us. That is what is meant by “the oil or blessing flows down.” A wise person will subject him or herself to wise godly counsel. Do you want to do something great for God? Then look for a mentor who is currently doing something for God but remember God is the one you please not man. God will use mature Christians to train the young and inexperienced so that they might also be mature in Christ Jesus but as we learn from godly mentors always keep in mind God’s supreme authority and honor Him and the oil that flows on your life will be from God!
The oil represents approval and blessings, do we live to please God or people? David recognized God’s blessings because he knew and understood God’s precepts and promises. We can gain approval from our piers and those under our authority but it means nothing until we have the approval of those over us. That is what is meant by “the oil or blessing flows down.” A wise person will subject him or herself to wise godly counsel. Do you want to do something great for God? Then look for a mentor who is currently doing something for God but remember God is the one you please not man. God will use mature Christians to train the young and inexperienced so that they might also be mature in Christ Jesus but as we learn from godly mentors always keep in mind God’s supreme authority and honor Him and the oil that flows on your life will be from God!
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